CHIEF executive of Western Power Distribution (WPD) Robert Symons has urged the Government to reward the efforts of companies who perform well for customers.

CHIEF executive of Western Power Distribution (WPD) Robert Symons has urged the Government to reward the efforts of companies who perform well for customers.

Nationally in the UK around two million households were affected by last October's storms with some customers losing electricity for more than eight days.

A subsequent Department of Trade & Industry investigation cited WPD, which serves Wales and the West of England, as a benchmark company for its performance, but noted an alarming gap between the best and worst power distribution companies.

Mr Symons is supporting calls for rigorous, performance-linked regulation to ensure that there is no repetition of last year's extended blackouts.

Mr Symons said, "Rewarding performance sets a clear agenda that customers' interests are the first priority."

Early next year OFGEM, the electricity industry regulator, will review charges distribution companies can make as part of a five year process.